Scuba Diving Honolulu: Shark & Turtle Encounters
Article by , SCUBA diving instructor, Rainbow Scuba Hawaii on
Ken is a contributing author, master scuba instructor, and licensed boat captain with over 20 years of experience safely navigating Hawaiian waters.
Expertise:
- Scuba Certification & Advanced Diving Instruction
- Underwater Asset Inspection, Retrieval, and Marine Salvage
Honolulu Dive Briefing & Descent
Ready to try SCUBA in Honolulu? Our Rainbow Scuba Hawaii crew meets you at Kewalo Basin Harbor—just minutes from Waikiki—and starts with a concise, confidence-building briefing. We cover equalization, hand signals, and how we’ll descend together along the mooring line. After masks are defogged and weights checked, we motor past Ala Moana into clear Pacific water. Visibility on Oahu’s south shore often reaches 60–100 ft; for first-time divers we choose coral gardens in the 20–40 ft (6–12 m) range where conditions are calm and marine life is active. You’ll feel weightless as you make a giant stride entry, guided all the way to the reef floor.
Watch the Dive Adventure
Sharks, Turtles & Honolulu Reef Life
White-Tipped Reef Shark Encounter
Gliding over coral heads and sandy channels, our group spots two white-tipped reef sharks resting beneath a ledge. These shy, nocturnal hunters are a signature sight on Oahu’s reefs. During daylight hours, they lounge under cover, allowing respectful divers to observe from a distance. We keep fin kicks slow, stay neutrally buoyant, and avoid crowding—ensuring crystal-clear water and stress-free behavior from the sharks.
Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles & Schooling Fish
Farther along, honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles) glide through a cleaning station while butterflyfish and surgeonfish swirl around them. First-time divers love the unhurried pace: breathe, hover, follow your guide, and let Honolulu marine life come to you. You’ll spot lobe and cauliflower corals, yellow tangs, trumpetfish, and more. Instructors help you maintain trim for photos and point out camouflaged critters like scorpionfish or octopus.
Comfort, Safety & Gear Tips
For south-shore water temps, a 3 mm shorty or full wetsuit is perfect. Equalize early and often, keep your mask strap high, and use small breath adjustments to control buoyancy. Reef-safe sunscreen should be applied post-dive. Most tours last 30–45 minutes underwater, depending on air use. We surface with reserves and reboard via a secure ladder.
How the Rainbow Scuba Hawaii Tour Flows
From check-in to high-fives back at the dock, our Honolulu SCUBA diving tour is built for new divers exploring Waikiki. After gear setup and a safety talk, we descend on the mooring line, pause on a sandy patch to practice buoyancy, and then explore the reef in small groups. Your guide manages depth, navigation, and safety so you can enjoy the views. Reef sharks and turtles are frequent visitors along this route, and we always prioritize giving space and minimizing impact on wildlife.
Planning tips: Mornings offer the calmest seas. Bring a towel, drinking water, and a camera or memory card. No certification needed—just be a confident swimmer, age 10 or older. Certified divers may request a deeper reef or wreck for future tours.
Ready to Dive Oahu with Us?
Oahu is one of the easiest places to try SCUBA, and Rainbow Scuba Hawaii makes it unforgettable—especially with relaxed turtle encounters and respectful shark sightings. Watch the video above, then save this guide for your Honolulu trip. If the dive inspired you, please like, comment with your favorite moment, and subscribe for more Hawaii dive vlogs. When you’re ready to join us underwater, book our Honolulu SCUBA diving tour—our team handles the rest so you can dive with confidence and awe.